Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
Event Details
Date
January 10, 2026
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY OR Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY OR Via Zoom
Host
CCE Schoharie-Otsego
Kelley Doolin
email Kelley Doolin
Event Registration
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon
Understanding Your Farm's Market Channels (January 10, 2026) - This session provides an overview of available sales avenues, including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, distributor, and institutional markets. Participants will review the requirements and opportunities of each channel, complete a guided worksheet to assess market fit, and hear from farmers experienced in a variety of sales models.
Selling to Schools & Wholesale Buyers (January 17, 2026) - This session introduces the key requirements of wholesale and institutional markets, with a particular focus on Farm to School and other local procurement opportunities. Participants will learn about food safety expectations, selling directly to schools and institutions, and navigating the bidding and procurement process.
Pricing for Profit: Tools & Strategies (January 24, 2026) - This session focuses on building the financial skills needed to evaluate and manage profitability across different market outlets. Participants will explore pricing strategies based on production costs and review institutional, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer pricing considerations. The session also covers recordkeeping systems and workforce-related cost considerations to support better financial planning and long-term business stability.
Marketing Strategies for Farm Sales Growth (January 31, 2026) - This session focuses on helping farmers strengthen their marketing presence and communicate the value of their products. Participants will learn strategies for crafting a clear farm story, building a positive brand identity, and using marketing tools such as websites, social media, and print materials. The session also highlights approaches for developing strong customer and buyer relationships.
Attend at one of three locations:
Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY
Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY
Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Leading the Farm Team: Supervisory Skills for New Managers
April 14, 2026 : Session 1: Becoming a Supervisor
The transition from working alongside employees to supervising them can be challenging. This session explores the shift from individual contributor to supervisor and the mindset and skills needed to lead a team effectively. Participants will learn about the role of a supervisor, key leadership behaviors, and how to build trust and credibility with employees.
April 21, 2026 : Session 2: Improving Performance
This session will introduce the performance triad—clear expectations, training, and feedback—to support employee success. We will discuss practical communication strategies, how to give constructive feedback, and how supervisors can help employees improve their performance over time.
April 28, 2026 : Session 3: Managing Conflict
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional and respectful workplace. This session covers some of the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and the responsibilities managers have in addressing workplace concerns.
Participants will also explore common sources of workplace conflict, learn to recognize potential biases that can influence management decisions, and discuss practical approaches for addressing difficult situations and resolving conflicts at work.